HIW: BW 12-08-2023

Yesterday, I went on a birdwalk in the Sanctuary of Headwaters at Incarnate Word. I try to go to them whenever I can. Even on days where there don't seem to be any birds, I get refreshed by just being there. This time, it was pretty overcast. That made the trails even darker which gave my meager photography skills a challenge. You will notice a graininess in a lot of the photos that I was not able to overcome, especially if the subject was either far away or in a really dark place. I am not at all happy with the shots of birds. However, since this was a birdwalk, I included them anyway.

This is a rock rose. I am sure that some bird ate some seeds from the ones in the Circle of the Springs garden and dropped them here. It was the only volunteer rock rose plant along the trails.

I really enjoy these walks. Everyone is always so nice. Some are complete birding newbies. Others are more expert. Some are like I am- just there for the experience of whatever happens.

These beauties are definitely Asters. I am not sure which one, as there are several varieties in our area.

Nope... Haven't got a clue what kind of mushroom this is. It sure is a beauty, though.

I need to go back on a sunny day. These changing oak leaves are gorgeous.

There was a small group of American Robins down in the creek bed about 75 feet from the trail. This is the only shot I was able to get by shooting through a little gap in the brush.

Yes, I am aware of the total "nothingness" of this shot. But white winged doves are birds, so he is in.

You have to see these in person to really observe them best. They are some of the only flowers along the trails right now. That really spotlights their beauty.

Every time I see this post covered with the cat claw vine, I feel an urge to photograph it. This time I did.

Grainy, poorly lit, and missing a glint in its eye. But, once again, it is a BIRD!

If the sun had been shining when I took this, it would be amazing. I love these beautiful trees. I like how you can get the contrasting colors of berries as they ripen. This is another of my favorite native Texas plants. It is called Brasil or Condalia. The scientific name is Condalia hookeri. You have seen photos of this growing in my Wildzone.